It's the half-way mark already for this year's National Novel Writing Month, and I want to add some more cheers for all of you tackling this amazing challenge. Here are a few re-blogs to help you on your way; some reminders and some new angles on getting that wordcount to keep soaring: Bookish Luna: … Continue reading NaNoWriMo 2017: Midway Survival

Every so often I'd like to give an update like this one about the site. No major announcements; just a chance to discuss small changes going forward. It's getting closer to time for the "Work in Progress" status to change, happy to report. This is a Wreadcast, a short-term, informal podcast piece. After about a week, … Continue reading Quick Site Update (4:23)

So you have written your short story and cannot wait to release it into the world. But before doing that, it is important to take some extra time to make sure your story is properly edited, despite the fact that editing is nowhere near as fun as writing.

Just a short topic this week, but one that gave me a surprisingly emotional reaction. How do you regard your fledgeling poems or stories from yesteryear? Sure, some writers will adopt a little false humility at dinner parties to avoid repelling an audience, but how do you really view those works? They did come in … Continue reading Respecting Your Early Writings (3:25)

Can we chat for a second? Great, because I'd really rather do that today than write. (Just please don't read too much into that as a reason for Wreadcasts.) What I'm wrestling with is the age-old crux, that unvarnished heart of every worn writing adage: the only way to improve writing is to keep writing. … Continue reading I Don’t Want to Write Today

Can't believe it's almost November already. The only thing okay about that is it's National Novel Writing Month time again. I'm not able to take part this year, but I can talk about my experiences in the past: Are you going to try it out this year? This is a Wreadcast, a short-term, informal … Continue reading NaNoWriMo 2017 (6:05)

No ado here at all; just a launch right into a pep talk for all of us looking for our first or 708 zillionth publishing credit: Where are you looking for a home for your writing? This is a Wreadcast, a short-term, informal podcast piece. After about a week, the audio will be replaced … Continue reading Pep Talk: Getting Published (Wreadcast .8 – 5:03)

I can pore over analytics or buy someone's guide to writing popular posts, but I thought I'd go the direct route and ask you which topic you would most like to see covered here in the upcoming weeks. Is it more on the business of writing? Favorite recent reads? Editor interviews and book reviews? Creative … Continue reading What You Want to Read Next (Wreadcast .7 – 5:05)

For so many years, I had a simple view of writing any poem or story essentially once. I wrote them as the seeds took root and pruned them into final drafts as able. This is a wonderful model for anyone afflicted with the writing compulsion. Recently, however, I realized a second shaping was necessary for … Continue reading Writing Everything Twice (Wreadcast .6 – 6:35)

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Bear in Mind

This site is very much a “Work in Progress.” Once this WIP label has been removed, you’ll know it’s ready for more critical eyes. It’s entirely possible this won’t be for some time. (If you were instead for some reason expecting a literal mental bear, please check to see if it has arrived.)